The Kia might look beautiful to behold, but car experts have figured that the vehicle has some serious issues. So, before going out and picking up this fun little car for yourself, make sure you know which year to avoid.
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The little Kia Soul took car buyers by storm when it first came out. Its first generation was introduced long ago. But it wasn’t long before The Soul became one of Kia’s best-sellers. Since its inception, however, a few model years for Soul didn’t fare so well. In fact, there’s one year, in particular, you should never buy at all.
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The 147-hp four-cylinder or 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engines suit this fun little subcompact SUV just fine. Completely redesigned for 2020, the Soul offers great cargo capacities, tech features, and comfortable seating.
In 2019, it also earned the Cars U.S. News Best New Cars for Teens awards. The fuel efficiency is good at 27 and 33 mpg. The tech is user-friendly and includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Overall, it’s a reliable hatchback. But, there were a few years that Soul missed the mark and might be worth avoiding.
If buying a used Kia Soul suits your preferences and budget, a few model years have historically been the most problematic for the Kia Soul. Based on actual consumer complaints, recalls, and technical service bulletins compiled by CarComplaints.com, 2012 through 2015 were the worst model years.
From steering problems to serious engine concerns, consumers were making several trips to their dealerships. With well over 100 TSBs for those years, Kia did their best to address the issues.
Which Kia Soul Model Years Are The Worst?
The 2014 model year presented the highest number of complaints overall, but CarComplaints.com cites 2015 as the worst year for Kia Soul. The engine failures were reported most frequently and also had high repair costs.
These engine problems surfaced around the 72,000-mile mark and were costing a lot for engine replacement costs. If buying used is your intention, don’t buy one of these model years that hasn’t already been remedied, or you may end up with the same fate as these documented owners.
The Kia Soul is a reliable ride and certainly presents plenty of positive reviews. It’s not for everyone, though. Some may consider the base engine to be weak compared to others in its class. Others have a lacklustre reaction to fuel economy, too. A significant drawback for anyone considering the subcompact SUV may be that it’s missing an AWD option. The Kia Soul is FWD only.
This configuration of features isn’t for everyone, but it can be suited perfectly for some. It might be the ideal teen hatchback or perfect for anyone who doesn’t mind these few setbacks. The price tag tends to seal the deal as well.
Alternative Cars to the Kia Soul
The Kia Soul can be a great addition to your garage, but if you’re still not convinced, there are some top-notch competitors in this segment that may be worth a test drive. Another notable mention, especially in the best teen car category, is the Honda Fit.
If the boxy style is appealing to you, you might love the Jeep Renegade. The Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, or Hyundai Elantra GT can bring better interior features. If you’re sold on the Kia brand, you might want to also look at the Kia Sportage.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your preferences and budget will determine which model suits your lifestyle the best. The Kia Soul is certainly a viable option, even if you’re considering a used model. Just beware of past engine problems before you buy, and make sure you do your homework.
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